Gomm Valley and Ashwells reserve sites

This extensive site lies between the eastern edge of High Wycombe and the villages of Penn and Tylers Green. Gomm Valley, which forms the bulk of the site, is an attractive dry valley landscape which is typical of the Chiltern Hills and, as the last undeveloped chalk valley in High Wycombe, is of great importance in landscape and strategic green infrastructure terms.

The site also contains important ecological features (calcareous grassland, broad-leaved woodland and species-rich hedgerows) including the Gomm Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Peregrine Business Park adjoins the site and provides an opportunity for business expansion.

Ashwells is at the northern-most tip of the site, and currently consists of pasture and paddocks. Together with Gomm Valley, it provides a separation between High Wycombe and Tylers Green and is therefore very important in terms of maintaining community identify.

Planning performance agreement

We have signed a planning performance agreement (PPA) with Friends Life Limited, for the service of agreeing a development brief including a framework masterplan for adoption by WDC and pre-application advice.

Liaison group

The Gomm Valley and Ashwells liaison group has been set up to provide a forum for local stakeholders to play a proactive role in helping set key parameters for the way these sites should be developed in a managed way and to help shape development briefs to inform any planning applications that are submitted by developers.

The liaison group is chaired by Cllr David Johncock. The WDC officer looking after this site is Robert Harrison.

Material Planning considerations [PDF | 142 KB] - a useful note produced by Planning Aid England and the department of Communities and Local Government, explaining what is and is not a material Planning consideration when determining a planning application.